The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-04
A CRITICS BAD BREAK.
How Weli-Known Journalist Embarrassed
His Chief by Solving 1t to- Forrest.

The appearance here of Robert Down
ing, the young trage6ian, in The Gisdiatsr,"
brings to the recollection OF od-time theater-
goers the pleasure they derived from seeing the
great Forrest in the same role. and particul ary
recalls an amusing incident in which Col. w. A.
Taylor the wel-known political writer of the
Cincinnati Enquirer, once figured as dramatic
critic. The story is told by journalist who is
friend of Taylor's. Several years ago, while
Forrest in the zenith of his popularity as
the greatest tragedian of the day, Taylor was
called to accept position the local staff of
the Pittsburg Post. which at that time
under the control of Colonel Barr. The Colonel
and Forrest the best of friends. and when
was certain to be the guest of the well-known
Pennsylvania editor. 1t so happened that the
day Taylor landed Pittsburg the tragsdian
opened engagement in the Smoky City, and
was, usual. the guest of his friend Colonel
Barr. Taylor showed up at the Post editorial
sanctum that evening for his assignment.
and vas was BROUGHT so to . the not, notice Of
his accomplishments dramatic
critic. TAYLOR said he thought he was pretty
fair at that kind of work. and the Colonel said
to him In his blunt way: You see, Taylor,
Forrest Llays here opght in The Gladiator
I'm getting kind of tired of the way our boys
given to gushing over dramatic affairs, aud L
want you to do this Gladiator performance to-
night. Go UP ard see Forrest, and give it to
him to about the extent of a column more"
Taylor thought he had the Colonels idea. and
went TO the theater to see the great tragedian.
He returned to the Post after
the performances, and proceeded to '.give
it to him" to the extent of about
a column and half Taylor is celebrated for
his easy, fluent manner of writing, and the
aptitude with which he strikes the nail on the
head. He had made up his mind to give it to
next morning with the most abusive criticism
that the fertile brain of the festive Taylor could
copjure up. There was not in the entire article
single epithet. but it was a most scathing
critique, denouncing the actors perform
ance of Spartacus. and raking him fore and
aft. Taylor handed in his copy and departed
has done required of him. About noon the
next day the critic put in appearance at the
Office. He accosted by the business mana
GER who wanted to know if he had seen Forrest
Taylor replied that he hadn't, and the business
manager informed him that the actor was
for him.
He was in here to see you while ago. said
he, land. if he had got hold of you. you would
have never written another criticism. You did
yourself proud this morning. didn't you2" con-
tnued the business manager with a decided
tone OF sarcasm. The critic began to wonder if
wasn't wrong Presently Colonel
Barr apr Jared.
Taylor. did you write that article about For
restW said he.
EYES," replied the dramatic editor, ~ wrote
it You told me to give it 20 him. and did"
"Well, young man, you succeeded admirably
saio TIC Ooiouot Au q Eau, pocuil0r ALA
moved off.
Taylors position, however, when he learned
the true STATE of affairs was hardly as embar-
RAISING Colonel Barrs. After the perform
ancs the night before, Forrest had accompanied
the editor home, and they evidently spent the
night pleasantly together. In the morning both
came down to late breakfast, and naturally
both picked mp the Post at the same time. the
criticism of the previous nights performance
was the first thing looked for. but it was not Of
the anticipated character. The meal was fin
ished in silence, and Forrest started out to look
for the critic. and Colonel Barr took
3 different path, but with the same
objective point. Taylor was not long in
discovering his mistake. but tried to explain by
saying that when reporter in Cincinnati
ceived instructions in the same manner that he
did. it meant business, but he guessed he hadn't
quite grasped the Colonel's idea. The criticism,
however, proved great advertisement for For
rest, as it was copied from Maine to California,
and followed BY many funny comments from
the different papers. some expressing doubts as
to the sanity of the writer and ott ers desiring
know what kind of whisky he drank. The
tragedian himself the funny side of it in
time, however, and forgave the erring Taylor.
but the latter never afterward gave it' to any
body in the dramatic column of the Pi.tsburg
Post